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Welcome to January's edition of
Life in our District
You may notice that this email looks a little different. Last year, we asked you, our email subscribers, what you want to hear about and how often. Your top interests were events and activities, changes to council services, anti-social behaviour and crime, refuse and recycling, and our parks and green spaces.
Because more than 85 per cent of you said you would prefer monthly or fortnightly updates, we will now send two emails each month. We will usually stick to this schedule, but we may send an extra update if there is important information you need to know. You can manage your preferences at any time.
Life in our district, sent on the last Friday of each month, will bring you key updates, changes to services, ways to get involved, health and wellbeing information, and tenant news.
What’s on in our district, sent on the first Friday of each month, will focus on upcoming events and activities across the district.
This is the first edition of Life in our district. Thank you for helping shape how we keep you informed. Now, pour yourself a cup of tea and catch up on this month’s updates:
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Iconic Knife Angel sculpture set to visit Newark
We’re incredibly proud to announce that the iconic Knife Angel sculpture is coming to Newark town centre in April this year! This powerful monument, made from over 100,000 seized blades, stands as a moving symbol against violence and knife crime.
Together with We Are Newark and You Can Do Sport, we’ll be supporting a month of inspiring community events, educational activities, and meaningful conversations while the Knife Angel is here. The Sculpture is currently on a tour of more than 50 cities and towns around the UK, and will be in Newark from 21 April 2026 until 20 May 2026, with the exact location announced soon. Keep an eye out for more updates!
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District council commended following Corporate Peer Review
An independent Corporate Peer Review has concluded that Newark and Sherwood District Council continues to deliver good services and focuses strongly on customer service and has been praised as positive, supportive and welcoming, despite increases in demand for its vital services.
The review, which took place in December 2025, saw four senior local government Councillors and Officers from other authorities across the UK form a Corporate Peer Review team as they conducted interviews and assessments here at Castle House.
The independent review concluded that we are demonstrating a positive, supportive and welcoming culture, with staff going the extra mile to support the communities they serve.
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New improvements for parks and green spaces coming soon
Fresh plans to enhance parks and open spaces across the district were approved at Cabinet earlier this month, helping our cherished community spots flourish for years to come.
The initiative will see £30,000 invested in Council-owned parks (including those aiming for Green Flag status). Plus, a £100,000 Parks and Open Spaces Legacy Fund, which with match-funding from Towns and Parishes, could see a further £200,000 being invested!
Looking ahead, the final phase could bring over £500,000 for major play infrastructure in 2027/2028, pending community input. Exciting times ahead for our open spaces and parks!
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Spot a pothole? Here's the best way to report it!
🚗 We know how important smooth, safe roads are for everyone.
If you spot a pothole, the quickest way to get it checked and fixed is to report it directly to Nottinghamshire County Council, who look after our local roads.
Their online form is easy to use and lets you share the exact location and photos: Report a pothole here>
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Newark and Sherwood policing update
We’re pleased to share the latest Newark and Sherwood neighbourhood policing newsletter, published by Inspector Charlotte Ellam. This quarterly update highlights current policing priorities, recent local issues, and the work being carried out to keep communities safe across the district.
Inside this issue, you’ll find:
👮♀️ Reassurance and police response following serious incidents in Langford and Winthorpe
👮♀️ Community engagement activity, including Remembrance Day and Christmas events
👮♀️ Action being taken to address vandalism in Newark town centre
👮♀️ An update on current policing priorities: drugs, road safety, and anti‑social behaviour
👮♀️ How neighbourhood officers are targeting crime through patrols and intelligence‑led work.
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Make the switch to Council Tax e‑billing
More than 10,000 households in Newark and Sherwood are already enjoying the benefits of e-billing, and you can join them in just a few clicks!
E-billing is the quickest and most convenient way to receive your Council Tax bill. Instead of waiting for the post, you can log into your account anytime and view your bill as it’s issued. No more misplaced letters, and no more paper clutter.
You’re also helping us reduce waste and doing your bit to protect the environment!
Signing up is simple. You just need to visit our website and register for an account: Sign up for online access.
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Free one-to-one advice for businesses in Newark and Sherwood
Newark and Sherwood District Council is continuing its programme of business support with a fully funded support surgery at Newark Beacon Business Centre on Thursday 5 February.
Hour-long slots are available for businesses to speak with expert business advisor, Dawn Fear. This surgery is a unique chance to gain one-to-one advice that can make a real difference to your business. Whether you’re looking to overcome challenges, identify growth opportunities, or strengthen your long-term strategy, Dawn’s expertise can help.
The business support surgery will take place on Thursday 5 February 2025, at Newark Beacon Business Centre, Beacon Hill Office Park (NG24 2TN). Seven 60-minute slots are available between 9:00am and 4:45pm.
This support is aimed at businesses that are based in Newark and Sherwood and have been trading for three years and above. To book a place, or for more information, please contact economic.growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.
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District Council hosts free AI workshop for local businesses
Newark and Sherwood District Council have arranged an in-depth, practical workshop on Productivity and Scale with Responsible AI.
The day-long session is for local SMEs interesting in learning to leverage AI to streamline operations, reduce workload and improve decision making. By the end of the workshop, businesses will be able to create short to medium-term AI integration plans that allow for quick wins and risk mitigation.
Leading the workshop will be Chang Ge, founder of CG Vision Consultancy and Senior Fellow at the University of Lincoln. With over 20 years of experience in education, business, and digital transformation, Chang works with SMEs in the UK and China to tackle disruption and resource pressures, delivering workshops that build client trust, boost productivity, and expand networks through ethical AI.
The workshop will take place on Thursday 26 February 2026, from 9:00am to 3:30pm at Gusto House in Collingham. To book or learn more, contact: will.parkinson@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
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Tributes paid to former Newark and Sherwood District Councillor, Mr Laurence Goff
Tributes have been paid to Newark and Sherwood District Councillor Laurence Goff who has sadly passed away. As well as a Town Councillor, Mr Goff served as District Councillor for 4 years.
Newark and Sherwood District Council Leader, Councillor Paul Peacock, said: “It is with much sadness that I learned of the passing of Councillor Laurence Goff. Laurence was a devoted member of his community and was incredibly dedicated to serving the people he represented especially those in Newark. His tireless efforts to improve health facilities and support rough sleepers reflected his deep compassion and commitment to those most in need. My sincere condolences go out to Laurence’s family at this difficult time.”
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Keep up to date!
We have over 9,000 people signed up to our newsletters, so please share this newsletter with friends and family to ensure they stay up to date.
Each month we share important updates for residents, ways to get involved, and what's on!
They can also sign up to receive the newsletter here.
Missed any of our past newsletters? You can find them here.
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